Emotional Intelligence: Should Someone Always Listen To Their Heart?

While there are some people who generally listen to their head, there are others who are more likely to go with their heart. And so regardless of what outlook one has, they can believe that it is the right way to be.

Clarity

When one has the tendency to use the former, they can say that this gives them ability to think clearly. Based on this, it is going to be a lot easier for them to make the right decisions in life.

If they were to think about when this hasn’t taken place, they could say that it would happen more often if they relied on their heart. There is then going to be no reason for them to change their approach.

It’s Better

Yet, if one has the inclination to rely on the latter, they could talk about how this enables them to listen to a part of them that knows more than their head. Therefore, to ignore this part of them would be something that would have a negative effect on their life.

One could think about when this has taken place and it could fill them with a sense of regret. Through being this way, it is going to be seen as what allows them to make the right decisions.

A Time and A Place

At the same time, there are going to be plenty of people who believe that it is not this black and white, and that they both have a purpose. As to when one is more important than the other, it will all depend on what is taking place.

In addition to this, one could have moments when they listen to their heart and their head; with this allowing them to come to a balanced conclusion. This will show that they are working with themselves, as opposed to alienating one part and embracing another.

A Purpose

It could be said that one has these two areas of intelligence for a reason, and so it is going to be in their best interest to pay attention to them. If this didn’t take place, it would be the same as having two different types of shoes and only using one pair.

One could wear the same ones all the time, but this is simply going to create a lot of unnecessary discomfort. Through putting their feet in the right pair of shoes, it can allow them to function at their best.

The Decision Maker

When one listens to what their head and their heart has to say, it will show that they are able to detach from what is taking place within them. One is then not just going to be consumed by one part of themselves.

It can then be seen as similar to what would take place if one had two friends in front of them who were giving them advice. Out of their respect and appreciation for these two people, they will take the time to listen to what they have to say.

Reflection

This could then mean that one will listen to each part of themselves and then make a decision. One could then find that they typically make good decisions and they are not going to be over reliant on one part of themselves.

Still, this is not to say that they won’t be able to go with their heart and to put their ability to think to one side. As this could be something that has occurred on a number of occasions; with this being something that allowed them to respond quickly.

Instant

What this emphasises is that it can take a while for the head to make a decision, but the same can’t be said about the heart. This is something that can take place without too much time passing.

And as it will already have an answer, there is going to be no need for one to use as much energy when it comes to the heart. It would then natural for one to see their heart as being superior.

Two Sides

Also, when one leads with their heart, they can be seen as being warm; whereas if they lead with their head, they can be seen as being cold. One way of looking at this would be to say that the heart brings everything together, but the head pulls things apart.

The heart is full of acceptance and love and is only too happy to give; there are no limits as far as it is concerned. On the other hand, the head is far more cautious and sees that there are limits in life.

One Outlook

If one uses their head, their outlook can be realistic, and if they use their heart, their outlook can be idealistic. Clearly, both of these ways of seeing life have a time and a place, but when the wrong outlook is utilized, it can lead to problems.

For example, the heart can be naive and see the best in everyone, and this can set one to be taken advantage of. If they have this outlook and they hold a position of power, it could cause them to inflict a lot of damage on their fellow human beings.

Blind Compassion

The heart’s desire to help anyone and everyone can also lead to all kinds of different problems, and this is why it needs to be monitored. Without the heads guidance, one can end up doing more harm than good.​As while one can follow their heart and believe that being altruistic is the way to change the world; it can result in more problems. When this happens, one can end up enabling other people’s behaviour, or the people they are trying to help can end up harming them as time goes by.

No Sense of Time

The heart is also focused on the here and now, and this is why one can make a decision without thinking about what consequences may arise when they ignore their head. Yet, the head has a sense of time, and this can give one the ability to step back and to think about whether they should do something or not.

Conclusion

Ultimately, one has a head and a heart for a reason, and if they don’t have the ability to use both, they are going to be out of balance. Not only will this increase their chances of making poor decisions; there will also be the consequences of the decisions they make.

Author's Bio:

Prolific writer, author, and coach, Oliver JR Cooper, hails from England. His insightful commentary and analysis covers all aspects of human transformation, including love, partnership, self-love, and inner awareness. With over one thousand in-depth articles highlighting human psychology and behaviour, Oliver offers hope along with his sound advice. His current projects include 'A Dialogue With The Heart' and 'Communication Made Easy'.